Woods Keeper at
Grant Park
Grant Park Fall Update 11.29.24
Throughout fall the WK team made 1-2 visits per month to Grant Park with the bulk of the work occurring at the southern end of Constitution Springs. A bit north along Cherokee Ave we continue to monitor and manage the wetland area as well as the slope between the pool and Park Ave. Things are looking great with so much progress made since we first began in GP in November of 2022. Populations of invasive chaff flower and stiltgrass (two notoriously hard to control plants) continue to drop in the wetlands with well-timed management, while at Constitution Springs we are nearing the end of our first sweep targeting invasive shrubs and climbing vines. This fall alone we removed over 25 cubic yards of invasive material!
This winter we will dive into some of the more detailed work and perhaps go after some invasive groundcovers like liriope and English ivy as the dormant season is the best time to do so.
As always, if you see us don’t be afraid to say hi and ask any questions! We love the work and will tell you all about it.
— Woods Keeper Team
Removed invasive plants from our November workday included bush multiflora rose, bush honeysuckle, glossy privet, Chinese holly, honeysuckle vine, porcelain berry and more
Constitution Springs
Invasive Honeysuckle vine
(Lonicera japonica)
In November of 2022 Woods Keeper began work at Grant Park, beginning in the “wetlands” area near Cherokee Avenue. Majestic bald cypress and river birch trees stand tall while native asters and other wetland plants provide for local wildlife. Several planted native button bushes (Cephalanthus occidentalis) dot the area and it’s impossible to miss the stand of gigantic irises. Invasive plants such as honeysuckle, chaff flower, privet, English ivy, and stiltgrass threaten this space and others around the park as they spread rapidly and crowd out native species.
Woods Keeper’s focus is to remove and suppress these harmful non-native invasive plants so that native plants — plants that provide for the local ecosystem — can continue to exist and better yet, thrive. Biodiversity is the goal while beautification and improved visibility are the perks of the process. Check back here for updates or come enjoy another walk in this beautiful, historic park and see for yourself!
**Does native habitat restoration mean every plant that’s non-native will be removed? No. We believe non-native plants can have a place in landscapes as long as they are not invasive. This issue is not black and white and often requires a nuanced discussion involving the specifics of the site.
Winter is a great time for removal as most natives are dormant, making some invasive plants easy to spot as they are often evergreen.
Cypress knees have long stumped scientists about their purpose but they are unique and wonderful, that’s for sure!
